I tried every Apple Home Key Lock, here’s the best

I've tested all four smart locks available in the U.S. with Apple Home Key support, including the Aqara U100, Yale Assure Lock 2, Level Lock+, and now, Schlage Encode Plus. Discover the clear winner when it comes to speed, features, and reliability!

🔒 Schlage Encode Plus with Home Key

Level Lock+ with Home Key

Yale Assure Lock 2

Aqara U100 Lock

🏠 Full List of Current Apple Home Devices

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:49 Schlage Encode Installation
01:52 HomeKit Setup
03:49 Schlage Performance
06:03 Home Key Comparison

My Gear:

[beardfm]

🚨 UPDATE: Got confirmation from a reliable source that the Schlage Encode Plus *does* in face have Thread. Which explains why it's the best performing Home Key lock of the four!

[dsoboslay]

I have had the Schlage Encode Plus for about 18 months now and never had a problem. I love it!

[jsac]

To me Aqara’s is superior in features and prize. I have had mine for since July, when they first came out, and have not changed the batteries once. Currently on the app, it says the battery level is high. I use all the HomeKit features and my experience with the lock has been flawless.

[DanielJohnTobin]

I totally love the Schlage Encode PLus. It was a great upgrade from the previous Schlage lock I had on the door. And, yes, it does connect via Thread to the network. I find the lock to be rock-solid. I have not had any issues with it. I know some people don't want a smart lock with a key option... but I like having that option in the event the electronics happen to fail I can still get into my house. You did a nice review on this lock.

[jrobert]

I have the Aqara and so far, it’s been pretty good. While I bought it for HomeKit compatibility, I use it with a fingerprint 99% of the time.

[Spider-Man]

Most comprehensive video of this kind that I've found. Love that you kept it to HomeKey compatible locks. Crucial info for me as a big Apple user and means I didn't have to do all that searching and narrowing down myself

[donpowers]

I bought two Schlage Encode Plus locks not too long after they were released. Back in those days they were the ONLY lock that supported Homekey. In spite of their high price they were always backordered so it took me a couple of months just to get them. I think the build quality of the lock is exceptional because they are made by Schlage which also sets them apart a bit. It might be nice to have a fingerprint reader but with Homekey that really is not necessary. We are currently trying to sell our house (not a trivial task at the moment) and will take these locks with me when we move (bought a couple of regular Schlage Encodes with similar appearance for replacements). One additional nice thing about the Schlage is that they appear to get firmware updates directly in the Home app which is a nice touch.

[sharrietech]

I have had the Schlage in Nickel since launch, and my whole family LOVES it! Battery life hasn't been too bad, about 5-6 months? I have to say that it has gotten slightly slower as it has aged, but still pretty great.

[kolef]

Have 2 Aqaras going strong (one for our front door and the other for our side door). Got it on launch day and they are still using the batteries that were included. The app shows Battery life is high for both. They replaced Schlages enclude pluses that got terrible battery life (lasted 1-2 months). Fortunately I was able to sell the used Encodes for a nice price!

[LoopyChew]

Have had the Aqara U100 installed for a few weeks now and so far it's been fantastic. It may not be the fastest gun in the West but the responsiveness and battery have been pretty good at my end (haven't bound it to a hub, just to Apple Home). Considering the Level Lock Plus for other parts of my home for the aesthetic, but the U100 is also ridiculously cheap right now and I may just spring for an additional one of those.

[MathewSchaffer]

Absolutely love the Schlage Encode Plus. It's been nearly 100% rock solid for me. My only real complaint is that if it's unlocked and you tap your phone/watch, it locks. If you thought it was locked and were trying to unlock it, you just locked it and need to tap again to unlock it. There's no way to know the state without trying the door first. It seems unnecessary to have tap to lock when there's already a lock button on the keypad. I would prefer if tapping while unlocked just did nothing instead.

[edbrumbaugh]

Thanks for the review, the most informative of the videos I've watched as I research what smart lock to get ... Schlage it is! Thanks again.

[volcolby]

Good video. Reliability and speed are super important. And I like the name recognition and look of the Schlage.

[elangelito]

Thank you for taking the extra step to review all four .

[ElDoradoHoneyCo]

Hey Stephen, , quick question. I'm not familiar with the Apple Home Kit and as far as I know, I don't have any hubs for it. So, , question is can I still use my watch or phone, (Apple), to open the Schlage without anything else or do I need to have some sort of Apple hub?

[StrifePulse]

The Aqara in my opinion is the best one in terms of price and features. Pairing with an Aqara Hub will drain battery much faster but I just use a Apple Home Hub and Home Key and it’s perfect.

[clawdawg]

I upgraded a highly degraded August Gen 3 to the Schlage. Wow! Finally, a smart lock that actually works as intended, without pulling / pushing the door. And, Home Key is a GAME CHANGER. What truly makes this number 1 is the SAF. I really like having the physical key….just in case.

[mareks]

They need a Schlage encode plus lever. I would buy one today.

[thanasi.christ]

Level Lock has been nothing but trouble for me for almost a year now. Mainly because of the round peg to square hole issue. Glad to hear others were smart of enough to design around that. I’ll be returning it and going with the Schlage probably. Great video!

[danalonn]

I have two Schlage locks. I got them rekeyed at the hardware store to match the key I use for other locks. Lock works great. It is thread. Reliable. Battery life is good. Easy to install. I think it is best to install them with the Schlage app and then connect to HomeKit but either way works. I haven’t used a key to get into my house or garage for a year. Absolutely made the right choice.